Colombia’s roadmap workshop for electoral protection

The event marked a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral integrity in the face of growing information-related threats. The workshop brought together electoral authorities, civil society organizations, media professionals, academics, and international experts to collaboratively develop a concrete roadmap aimed at enhancing Colombia’s resilience to disinformation and digital manipulation during electoral processes. 

The two-day event was structured first to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and risks facing electoral processes and then to engage participants in designing actionable responses. The first day featured a series of in-depth presentations and dynamic panel discussions addressing the rise of information radicalism and extremism and the evolving impact of disinformation on democratic systems. Participants examined specific threats to freedom of expression and freedom of the press and reviewed current mitigation strategies presented by the National Electoral Council (CNE), particularly in the context of upcoming elections.

The second day transitioned from analysis to action. Building on the results of the initial mapping workshop held in November 2024, the sessions – facilitated by the International IDEA team – guided participants through the process of co-developing a strategic roadmap. Through participatory dialogue and group work, attendees identified priority areas for intervention and explored mechanisms for implementation.

Among the areas of action outlined in the roadmap are the reform of legal and institutional frameworks, the promotion of transparency and improved oversight in electoral financing and auditing, and the enhancement of voter education through practical tools and simulations. Participants also emphasised the importance of equipping civil society actors with accessible digital tools to counter mis/disinformation and polarisation and exploring strategies to ensure fair access to media platforms for all.

The workshop series, composed of three key events, is designed to help national stakeholders identify vulnerabilities in the information environment around elections, encourage cross-sectoral collaboration, and build long-term capacity to protect the integrity of democratic processes. The project follows a multi-phase methodology that begins with a comprehensive mapping of information-related risks, continues with the co-creation of a roadmap, and concludes with the institutionalisation of collaborative strategies for ongoing implementation.

In addition to the national focus, the Bogota workshop also created space for valuable regional and global exchanges. Experts from Paraguay presented lessons from their ongoing in-country efforts to promote electoral integrity, and participants also heard insights from other project countries' developments in Fiji and Libya. The comparative experiences provided inspiration and practical guidance, helping Colombian actors envision pathways forward and identify common building blocks for success.